Some Common Softwood and Their Usage

Contrary to popular belief, softwood is in no way, weaker than hardwood. Softwood is derived from coniferous trees that include the likes of pine, fir and cedar. Such types of wood usually appear reddish or yellowish in its appearance. Due to the fact that most coniferous trees grow straight and fast, softwood is generally quite economical compared to hardwood. Besides, it is easier to find suitably grown softwood (wood grown on a tree farm for ensuring an endless supply of the wood). This means that you are not contributing to deforestation. You'll always have a supply for your products.
Following are some of the common varieties of softwood and their characteristics.
Cedar
Cedar is the most common type of softwood and is a western red variety. This cedar, as the name implies, sports a reddish color. Such types of wood are relatively soft, has a mild aromatic smell and a straight grain. The western red cedar is generally used in outdoor works like decks, furniture and building exteriors. This is because this type of wood is suitable for most environments sans any rotting. It's also moderately priced. It's not widely used to make wooden furniture.
Fir
Fir is often called as the Douglas Fir. The wood has a very straight and pronounced grain. It also sports a reddish-brown tint. This wood is mostly used for making building. It's inexpensive and can be used for making wooden furniture also. Fir wood doesn't have the most intriguing grain pattern and can't take stain well enough. As such, it is best used only if you want to paint your finished product. The Douglas Fir variety is quite hard and strong for softwood. This wood is worth a mention because it's a common type and also quite inexpensive. So probably you'll be tempted to make something out of it.
Pine
Pine is available in several varieties. This includes Yellow, White, Sugar and Ponderosa and all of them are great for making wooden furniture. Pinewood is very easy to work with. As the wood is relatively soft than other softwood, carvings are easier to make. Pine usually takes stain quite well. But you have to first seal the wood. Ponderosa pine is known to ooze sap and one has to be careful while working with this variety. Pinewood is available at most home centers. However, it's mostly of a lesser grade compared to what you can avail at a good lumberyard.
Redwood
Almost like cedar, redwood is mostly used for making outdoor projects because of the wood's resistance to moisture. Redwood is a fairly soft wood and sports a straight grain. As the name suggest, this type of wood as a coarse reddish tint to it. Redwood is also used for making certain types of wooden furniture and is quite easy to work with as it's priced moderately.
With each passing day softwood is finding increasing acceptance in households. It's also being used for several non-conventional purposes.


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